Ceiling structure

ABSTRACT

A ceiling structure comprising a plurality of laterally spaced, elongated panel members of generally channel-shaped crosssectional configuration having inturned flanges that are snap fitted into interlocking engagement behind tabs struck out from the flanges of laterally spaced support carriers extending generally at right angles to the panel members. Certain of the panel members between the spaced support carriers may be deleted to provide one or more openings to receive lighting, heating, ventilating fixtures and the like to form a generally continuous and integrated ceiling system.

United States Patent Kolesar 1 Feb. 29, 1972 [54] CEILING STRUCTURE3,409,766 11/1968 Meckler ..52/28 X [72] Inventor: Frank S Kolesar 18Preston Drive, st. 3,437,362 4/1969 Offenbroich ..52/726 X CanadaFOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [221 Filed 1969 297,195 5/1965Netherlands ..52/432 2 AppL 3 9,0 2 427,188 6/1967 Switzerland ..52/28I" E -F kL.Abb tt s21 U.S.C1. ..s2/2s,s2/4s4, 52/726 t Burk: [51] Int.Cl ..E04b 5/52 Anome Christel and Bear; [58] Field of Search ..52/28,484, 726; 240/9 y [56] References Cited [5 7] ABSTRACT A ceilingstructure comprising a plurality of laterally spaced,

UNlTED STATES PATENTS elongated panel members of generallychannel-shaped cross- 3,508,368 4/1970 Tischuk et a1 ..52/726 Xsectional configuration having inturned flanges that are snap 3,541,74611/1970 Scott ...52/726 X fitted into interlocking engagement behindtabs struck out 3,544,1 10 12/ 1970 Dickinson. 52/726 X from the flangesof laterally spaced support carriers extending 1,364,130 6/1932 Gibian52/464 generally at right angles to the panel members. Certain of the2,303,858 8/1957 R 6 panel members between the spaced support carriersmay be 3,054,482 1962 Lassen 52/726 X deleted to provide one or moreopenings to receive lighting, 3,277,622 10/1966 52/484 X heating,ventilating fixtures and the like to form a generally 3,295,284 l/1967Tschiesche... 52/484 X continuous and integrated ceiling system.3,352,071 11/1967 Sutter ..52/28 3,377,754 4/ 1968 Russell ..52/28 X 16Claims, 15 Drawing Figures Patented Feb. 29, 1972 5 Sheets-Sheet lPatent-ed Feb. 29, 119?2 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 s V. W MW 2 R wz r m m w A w mM Patented Feb. 29, 1972 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. flan 5: 665950? BY@M M v ATTORNEY-5.

CEILING srnucrunr:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to theconstruction art and, more particularly, to certain new and usefulceiling and wall constructions.

It is known to employ various prefabricated ceiling panels in suspendedceiling systems which can be readily installed and which can be easilydismantled. Generally, these panel membets are attached to carriermembers by means of an intermediate component such as a clip orfastening element. In those instances where the panel members areattached directly to the carrier members, such carrier members areseparately designed and formed specifically for use with the panelmembers which are to be joined therewith. Thus, both the carrier memberand panel member are necessarily employed together and generally are notcompatible with conventional type support carriers. Moreover, theinstallation of lighting, heat and ventilating fixtures in such ceilingsystems is expensive, complex and time consuming thereby addingsignificantly to the installation costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present inventionis to provide an improved arrangement for detachably mounting ceilingpanel members on ceiling support members or carriers.

Another object of this invention is to secure the panel members in placedirectly on the main support members in a symmetrical modulararrangement whereby the crosssupport members serve to frame and supportassociate fixtures.

The ceiling structure of the present invention is characterized byelongated panel members of generally channelshaped cross-sectionalconfiguration having intumed lips or flanges that are snap fitted behindtabs struck out from the flanges of a carrier member for interlockingengagement therewith. The tabs are specifically oriented so that thepanel members attached thereto provide a modular arrangement havingvisual security and which are compatible with lighting, heating, andventilating fixtures to form a totally integrated ceiling system.

The foregoing and other objects, advantages and characterizing featuresof the present invention will become clearly apparent from the ensuingdetailed description of an illustrative embodiment thereof, takentogether with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numeralsdenote like parts throughout the various views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspectivebottom view of a ceiling structure constructed in accordance with thisinvention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the ceiling structure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective bottom view of another form ofceiling structure of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the ceiling structure ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale,of the ceiling structure of FIG. 1; h

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional viewtaken about on line 6-6of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of a splicer assembly includinga splicer element shown connecting the adjacent ends of two panelmembers;

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken'about on line 8-8 of FIG. 7:

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of one end of a panel memberhaving an end cap element shownfastened onto the open'end of the panelmember;

FIG. l0is a side elevational view of the end cap element looking in thedirection of arrows 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of a ceiling structure having anopening therein for accommodating a lighting fixture housing;

diverging relation FIG. 12 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, onan enlarged scale, illustrating a conduit member inserted in place inthe ceiling structure of this invention;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken abouton line 13-13 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional view taken about on line 14- 14 of FIG.12; and

FIG. 15 is an end elevational view of another form of panel member ofthis invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT Referring now indetail to the illustrative embodiment shown in the drawings, FIG. 1shows a ceiling construction comprising a series of elongated ceilingpanel members, generally designated 10, defining a ceiling surface.Panel members 10 are mounted and supported in properly spaced relationby means including a main T support member or carrier, generallydesignated 12, suspended from a permanent ceiling structure by means ofa plurality of hangar wires 14 as is well known in the art. While notlimited thereto, the present invention is particularly adapted for usein ceiling supporting systems of the type comprising a plurality oflaterally spaced main T-grid members or carriers. The invention hasutility in ceiling supporting grid systems incorporating cross T-gridmembers extending transversely between the main T carriers and havingend portions insertable through slots in the main T carrier andinterlocking therewith as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It is a feature ofthis invention that the main grid members can be of a conventionalconstruction, except for the incorporation of panel member receivingtongues in the main T members, as described below.

Web portion 16 is provided at spaced intervals with rectangular,normally vertical slots 22 for reception of the end portions of crossT-members 21 (FIGS. 3 and 4) adapted to be interlocked with mainT-support carrier 12 and extending transversely thereof to serve asstabilizers or lighting fixture framing members and supports, asdesired. The end portions of cross T-members 21 are provided withextensions in the form of tongues (not shown) insertable through slots22 and snapfitted into interlocking engagement behind web portion 16 ofcarrier 12. Such interlocking tongues can be of the type described andshown in US Pat. No. 3,3l2,488. Slots 22 are generally I-I-shaped, beingformed with downwardly and upwardly projecting tabs at the top andbottom of the slot, respectively, which serve as partitions orseparators between the two cross T members in the assembled joint. Ofcourse, slots 22 can take any shape, as desired.

In accordance with this invention, flanges 18 of main T carrier 12 areprovided with tabs 24 struck out from flanges 18 on opposite sides ofweb portions 16 and bent downwardly away from saidweb portion 16 at anangle relative to the plane of said flanges 18. In the illustratedarrangement a pair of downwardly converging tabs 24 are provided in eachflange 18 on opposite sides of eachslot 22, in relatively closelyspaced, symmetrical relationthereto. As shown in FIG. 5 this provides,between adjacent slots 22, a pair of relatively widely spaced,oppositely directed tabs 24 extending downwardly in andvspaced apart adistance approximating the width of a ceiling panel 10, hereinafter--more fully described. Each pairv of adjacent tabs, 24 extenddownwardly in converging relation and are equally spaced from slot 22 ofweb portion 16. This orientation and spacing of tabs24 relative to slot22 becomes significant when cross T-members 21 are employed and insertedthrough slots v22, because the laterally projecting flanges of the cross-T-member extend lengthwise of the ceiling panelsand serve to bridge thespacing between adjacent ceiling panels 10. Although FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate cross T-members 21 laterally spaced at a distanceapproximating the width of a single-panel member 10, for stabilizationpurposes such cross T-members 21 would normally be spaced at centersapproximating the width of four or eight laterally spaced, side-by-siderelated panel members 10.

um: M10

Each ceiling panel member 10 (FIG. consists of a sheet metal fabricationof a unitary, one-piece construction formed to provide a generallyelongated channel-shaped body portion having front face portions 26 and28 converging toward each other in a V-shaped configuration. Thejuncture of sloping front face portions 26 and 28 forms a longitudinalrib 29 which rigidifies panel member and serves to prevent buckling oroil canning which is known to occur on the wide flat surfaces of otherconventional metal fabricated panel components. Also, if desired, morethan one rib 29 can be provided on the front face portion of panelmember 10 as shown in FIG. 15, which illustrates another form of panelmember 10 of this invention having a pair of sloping portions 31terminating in a reversely curved, arcuate medial portion 33. It shouldbe understood that the configuration of the front face of panel member10 may vary widely in accordance with the ceiling surface appearancedesired by various architectural designs. A pair of normally generallyparallel opposite side faces 30 extend rearwardly from front faceportions 26 and 28 and terminate in intumed flanges or skirts 32extending at an obtuse angle from side faces 30 in a convergingrelation. Skirts 32 are adapted to engage behind each pair of divergingtabs 24 with a snap-fit as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings Panel member10 is preferably formed of corrosion resistant, electrogalvinized steelsheet which is finished with either a baked-on enamel in plain or woodgrain finish or laminated with a vinyl or fabric material on the outerexposed surfaces. The inner or concealed surfaces are coated with aprimer. It should be understood that other suitable material such asaluminum, plastics, etc., can be used instead of galvinized steel, ifdesired, and can be painted or decorated to provide any desired effect.

Installation of panel members 10 onto main T-carriers 12 is easilyaccomplished without the use of any tools by merely spreading side faces30 apart sufficiently to enable skirts 32 to clear tabs 24 of mainT-carrier l2 and the inherent resiliency of side faces 30 will causeskirts 32 to snap into assembled relation behind tabs 24 and be securelylocked therewith. Panel members 10 are installed in a continuoussequence at right angles to the laterally spaced main T-carriers 12along the length of the ceiling. If desired, cross T-members 21 havinglaterally extending support flanges 23 may beemployed as shown in FIGS.3 and 4 to serve as stabilizers and reinforcing members. Such crossT-members 21 also serve to frame and support associated fixtures, ashereinafter described. Panel members 10 of the present invention alsocan be used in remodeling operations to cover old suspended grid systemsincorporating ceiling tiles. To this end, clips having tabs 24 thereoncan be slipped onto the tile supporting flanges of existing mainT-carriers.

A panel member assembly, comprising a plurality of end-toend assembledpanel members 10 held together by splicer elements can be used insteadof one, elongated panel member. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a splicer element,generally designated 40, comprising a sheet metal fabrication ofunitary, one-piece construction formed to provide front face portions 42and 44 inclined outwardly and toward each other in a convergingrelation, opposite side faces 46, extending rearwardly from front faceportions 42 and 44 in generally parallel relation, and intumed tabs 48extending inwardly from side faces 46, thereby providing across-sectional configuration like that of panel members 10, but on aslightly smaller scale. Splicer element 40 is adapted to be inserted inthe adjacent ends of separate panel members 10 and extend therebetweento connect the same together. Of course, splicer element 40 is finishedto match the color and pattern of panel members 10.

For the purpose of closing the open end of a panel member 10, an endplug or cap generally designated 50 (FIGS. 9 and 10) is provided. Endcap 50 comprises a substantially flat wall 52 having a V-shaped bottomedge 54 conforming to the channel shape of panel member 10 and oppositeside faces 56 slightly lesser in height than side faces 30 of panelmember 10, and intumed tabs 58 extending inwardly from side faces 56.Side faces 56 and tabs 58 of cap 50 are adapted to be inserted into theopen end of a panel member 10 with wall 52 being positioned flush withthe end of panel member 10 for closing the same. Cap 50 is finished tomatch the finish of panel member 10.

In those constructions in which cross T-members 21 are not inserted ineach consecutive slot 22 to thereby span the spacing between adjacentpanel members 10, a filler element, generally designated 60, can be usedto preserve the visual security of the ceiling construction. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 5 such filler element 60 is in the form of an elongatedstrip and comprises a sheet metal fabrication of a unitary, one-piececonstruction formed to provide a base 62 of arcuate, semicircular shapein cross section and a pair of parallel, opposite sidewalls 64 havingout-turned flanges 66 extending outwardly at an angle from sidewalls 64in diverging relation. Filler element 60 is snapped into place betweenadjacent panel members 10 with flanges 66 in engagement behind intumedskirts 32 of panel members 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.

The foregoing modular ceiling arrangement is adapted to accommodatelighting, heating and ventilating fixtures to form a totally integratedceiling system. With reference to FIG. 11, there is shown a ceilingstructure incorporating a main T-carrier 12 having a series of elongatedpanel members 10 attached thereto by means of the struckout tabs 24which have been omitted for ease in illustration. An opening 68 isprovided between a pair of laterally spaced panel members 10 foraccommodating a lighting fixture or any other suitable fixture. Itshould be understood that a plurality of such openings 68 may beprovided throughout the ceiling structure for accommodating variousceiling fixtures. These openings 68 are generally fixed in length by thespacing between carrier members 12 and can vary in width, the widthranging from the modular width of one panel member 10 to any multiplethereof. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, opening 68 approximatesthe width of four side-by-side related panel members 10.

An elongated lighting fixture, generally designated 70, is schematicallyillustrated spaced above opening 68 in FIG. 11. For the purpose ofsupporting lighting fixture 70, a series of cross T-members 21 areplaced in opening 68 and interlocked between main T-carriers l2. Fixture70 is adapted to be lowered onto cross T-members 21 and interposedbetween two laterally spaced panel members 10. Fixture 70 comprises ametal housing 72 recessed at opposite ends as at 73 to accommodate crossT-members 21 and is provided with suitable fluorescent tubes (not shown)or other types of light sources suitably connected to a source ofelectricity (not shown). Housing 72 is provided with a plurality ofextruded, transparent acrylic lens 74 (FIG. 13) suitably mounted alongthe bottom thereof and shaped to match the shape of panel members 10.L-shaped mounting brackets 76 are attached to the opposite ends ofhousing 72 (FIG. 11) for engagement about the upper ends of web portions16 of spaced main T-carriers 12 for supporting the same in place. Also,side mounting brackets 78 are provided on the sidewalls 86 of housing 72for engagement about the upper ends of the web portions of crossT-members 21 when such members are provided exteriorly of fixture 70.

Each lens 74 comprises a unitary, one-piece extrusion having a V-shapedfront face 80 and opposite sidewalls 82 conforming generally to thechannel shape of panel members 10. Sidewalls 82 terminate in intumedflanges which are reversely bent to form hook portions 84 adapted to besecured to the lateral flanges of cross T-members 21 as shown in FIG.13. Outer hook portions 84 of the endmost lens 74 are adapted to engageintumed flanges 88 provided on the lower ends of sidewalls 86 of housing72. Thus, lens 74 can be individually snapped in place and generallyform a continuation of panel members 10 to provide a ceiling surfacewhich is substantially continuous.

FIGS. 12 and 14 illustrate a boxlike conduit 90 employed for heating,air conditioning, and ventilating systems. Conduits 90 are provided withextensions 92 at opposite ends thereof having depending portions 94forming hooks adapted to be inserted over web portions 16 of mainTcarriers 12 (FIG. 14). A duct 96, suitably connected at one end to acentral heating, air conditioning, or ventilating piping system (notshown), is tapped at its other end into conduit 90. Each conduit 90 isprovided with a dependent channel 98 having an opening 100 at its lowerend, said channel 98 being of reduced thickness and capable ofprojecting downwardly between adjacent panel members as shown in FlG.l2. Heated or cooled air may be discharged through opening 100 asindicated by the arrow A in FIG. 12, with the return thereof through thespaces between adjacent panel members 10 as indicated by arrows B. Ofcourse, the reverse ventilating action may take place with a suctionforce drawing air inwardly through opening 100 of conduit 90. Also, anydesired or required number of conduits 90 may be employed in theintegrated ceiling structure of this invention.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the objects of the presentinvention have been fully accomplished. As a result of this invention,an improved ceiling construction is provided which is simple, durable inuse, relatively inexpensive, rugged in construction and which can beeasily installed and dismantled. Also, because of employing T-shapedmain carriers 12, a ceiling structure can be designed in whichassociated fixtures, such as lighting components, heat, air conditioningand ventilating fixtures and conduits, can be easily accommodatedbetween or in place of the ceiling panel members to provide a totallyintegrated system capable of a wide range of architectural designs topresent an attractive, decorative appearance.

I claim:

1. A ceiling structure comprising a support member of generally T-shapedcross-sectional configuration having an upstanding web with acrossmember receiving slot therein, support flanges extending laterallyin opposite direction from the lower end of said web, at least twoside-by-side related panel members extending generally at right anglesto said support flanges, each of said panel members comprising a bodymember of generally channel-shaped cross-sectional configuration havingopposite side faces and a front face, means integral with said supportflanges detachably securing said panel members to said support flangesin a laterally spaced relation, said panel members being equally spacedfrom said slot in said web and symmetrical therewith, and crossmembersextending transversely of said support member and having end portionsinsertable in said slot of said support member, said crossmembers havinglaterally projected flanges bridging the space between said laterallyspaced panel members, said crossmember flanges and said support flangeslying in a common plane above said panel member faces.

2. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein said front facecomprises a pair of sloping portions extending from said side facesdownwardly at an angle in a converging relation and meeting in a commonjuncture to form a said longitudinal rib.

3. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein said panel membercomprises a one-piece unitary construction of sheet material.

4. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein said front facecomprises a plurality of sloping portions terminating at longitudinalribs.

5. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein said panel memberhas an exterior exposed surface provided with a wood grain finish.

6. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein said securing meanscomprises tabs struck out from said support flanges, respectively.

7. A ceiling structure according to claim 6 wherein said panel memberopposite sides terminate in intumed flanges adapted to interlock behindsaid tabs.

8. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 including a pair of axiallyaligned panel members having adjacent end portions in close proximity toeach other, and splice means for connectirA g sai d end ortions.

9. ceiling s ructure according to claim 8 wherein said splice meanscomprises an element having a cross-sectional configuration slightlysmaller than and confonning to the cross-sectional configuration of saidpanel members, said element being at least partially inserted intoadjacent ends of said panel members.

10. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein each of said panelmember front faces is provided with a pair of sloping portionsconverging together to form a V-shaped configuration, and an end plugprovided with a flat end wall having a peripheral configurationconforming to but slightly smaller than the cross-sectionalconfiguration of said panel member, said plug having tabs projectingfrom the periphery of said end wall for insertion into an open end ofsaid panel member.

11. A ceiling structure including a pluralityof spaced support membersand laterally spaced panel members extending normal to said supportmembers as set forth in claim 1 wherein certain of said panel membersbetween spaced support members are removed to provide an opening in saidceiling structure, and a ceiling fixture means insertable into andadapted to cover said opening.

12. A ceiling structure as defined in claim 11 wherein said fixturemeans is a lighting fixture having a housing provided with means forengagement with and supported by said spaced support members, saidhousing having means adjacent the lower end thereof for carrying atleast one lens having an exposed configuration conforming generally tothe shape of said panel members.

13. A ceiling structure as defined in claim 11 wherein said fixturemeans is a conduit fixture having means for engagement with andsupported by said spaced support members, said conduit fixture having aportion projecting downwardly between adjacent, laterally spaced panelmembers.

14. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein each of said panelmembers includes a pair of flanges spaced from said front face andextending from said side faces upwardly at an angle in a convergingrelation.

15. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 together with a strip ofmaterial extending between said laterally spaced panel members andhaving means on opposite sides thereof for engagement with saidlaterally spaced panel members.

16. A ceiling structure comprising a support member of generallyT-shaped cross-sectional configuration having an upstanding web andsupport flanges extending laterally in opposite directions from thelower end of said web, at least two side-by-side related panel membersextending generally at right angles to said support flanges, each ofsaid panel members comprising an elongated body member of generallychannel-shaped cross-sectional configuration providing a front face,straight and parallel opposite side faces and a pair of flanges spacedfrom said front face and extending from said side faces upwardly at anangle in a converging relation, said front face having sloping portionsextending from said side faces downwardly at an angle in a convergingrelation and meeting at a common juncture to form a longitudinal rib,means integral with said support flanges detachably securing said panelmembers to said support flanges in a lateral spaced relation, a strip ofmaterial bridging the space between said laterally spaced panel membersto provide visual security, said strip comprising parallel, straight andopposite sidewalls engageable substantially along their entirety withadjacent side faces of said panel members and terminating in laterallyoutwardly extending flanges for engagement with said flanges of saidpanel members in overlying relation therewith.

1. A ceiling structure comprising a support member of generally T-shapedcross-sectional configuration having an upstanding web with acrossmember receiving slot therein, support flanges extending laterallyin opposite direction from the lower end of said web, at least twoside-by-side related panel members extending generally at right anglesto said support flanges, each of said panel members Comprising a bodymember of generally channel-shaped cross-sectional configuration havingopposite side faces and a front face, means integral with said supportflanges detachably securing said panel members to said support flangesin a laterally spaced relation, said panel members being equally spacedfrom said slot in said web and symmetrical therewith, and crossmembersextending transversely of said support member and having end portionsinsertable in said slot of said support member, said crossmembers havinglaterally projected flanges bridging the space between said laterallyspaced panel members, said crossmember flanges and said support flangeslying in a common plane above said panel member faces.
 2. A ceilingstructure according to claim 1 wherein said front face comprises a pairof sloping portions extending from said side faces downwardly at anangle in a converging relation and meeting in a common juncture to forma said longitudinal rib.
 3. A ceiling structure according to claim 1wherein said panel member comprises a one-piece unitary construction ofsheet material.
 4. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein saidfront face comprises a plurality of sloping portions terminating atlongitudinal ribs.
 5. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 whereinsaid panel member has an exterior exposed surface provided with a woodgrain finish.
 6. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein saidsecuring means comprises tabs struck out from said support flanges,respectively.
 7. A ceiling structure according to claim 6 wherein saidpanel member opposite sides terminate in inturned flanges adapted tointerlock behind said tabs.
 8. A ceiling structure according to claim 1including a pair of axially aligned panel members having adjacent endportions in close proximity to each other, and splice means forconnecting said end portions.
 9. A ceiling structure according to claim8 wherein said splice means comprises an element having across-sectional configuration slightly smaller than and conforming tothe cross-sectional configuration of said panel members, said elementbeing at least partially inserted into adjacent ends of said panelmembers.
 10. A ceiling structure according to claim 1 wherein each ofsaid panel member front faces is provided with a pair of slopingportions converging together to form a V-shaped configuration, and anend plug provided with a flat end wall having a peripheral configurationconforming to but slightly smaller than the cross-sectionalconfiguration of said panel member, said plug having tabs projectingfrom the periphery of said end wall for insertion into an open end ofsaid panel member.
 11. A ceiling structure including a plurality ofspaced support members and laterally spaced panel members extendingnormal to said support members as set forth in claim 1 wherein certainof said panel members between spaced support members are removed toprovide an opening in said ceiling structure, and a ceiling fixturemeans insertable into and adapted to cover said opening.
 12. A ceilingstructure as defined in claim 11 wherein said fixture means is alighting fixture having a housing provided with means for engagementwith and supported by said spaced support members, said housing havingmeans adjacent the lower end thereof for carrying at least one lenshaving an exposed configuration conforming generally to the shape ofsaid panel members.
 13. A ceiling structure as defined in claim 11wherein said fixture means is a conduit fixture having means forengagement with and supported by said spaced support members, saidconduit fixture having a portion projecting downwardly between adjacent,laterally spaced panel members.
 14. A ceiling structure according toclaim 1 wherein each of said panel members includes a pair of flangesspaced from said front face and extending from said side faces upwardlyat an angle in a converging relation.
 15. A ceiling structure accordingto claim 1 together with a strip of material extending between saidlaterally spaced panel members and having means on opposite sidesthereof for engagement with said laterally spaced panel members.
 16. Aceiling structure comprising a support member of generally T-shapedcross-sectional configuration having an upstanding web and supportflanges extending laterally in opposite directions from the lower end ofsaid web, at least two side-by-side related panel members extendinggenerally at right angles to said support flanges, each of said panelmembers comprising an elongated body member of generally channel-shapedcross-sectional configuration providing a front face, straight andparallel opposite side faces and a pair of flanges spaced from saidfront face and extending from said side faces upwardly at an angle in aconverging relation, said front face having sloping portions extendingfrom said side faces downwardly at an angle in a converging relation andmeeting at a common juncture to form a longitudinal rib, means integralwith said support flanges detachably securing said panel members to saidsupport flanges in a lateral spaced relation, a strip of materialbridging the space between said laterally spaced panel members toprovide visual security, said strip comprising parallel, straight andopposite sidewalls engageable substantially along their entirety withadjacent side faces of said panel members and terminating in laterallyoutwardly extending flanges for engagement with said flanges of saidpanel members in overlying relation therewith.